Zamia pumila

zamiafull
(Photo by Phillip Lowe)

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Taxonomy (1,2,3)

Classification: Gymnosperm
Family: Zamiaceae
Common name: Zamia, Coontie Palm, Coontie

General Information (1,3,4)

Region of Origin: Florida
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 8b-11
Growth Habit: Shrub

  • Size: 3-5 feet
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen
  • Coning: Late winter

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (2)

  • Simple/Compound: Compound
  • Other: 60-120cm; revolute; petioles prickly

Pollen Cone (2)

  • Color: Rusty brown
  • Size: 3-15cm
  • Shape: Cylindrical

Seed Cone (2)

  • Size: 6-15cm
  • Shade: Elongate-ovoid
  • Color: Reddish

Horticultural Information (1,2,3,4)

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil type: Sand, sandy loam
  • Maintenance: Easy to care for
  • Landscape Uses: Groundcover, shady gardens, transition plant, containers 
  • Other: Salt tolerant, drought tolerant

Interesting Facts (1,4)

  • Poisonous when eaten raw
  • Used in bonsai
  • Starch from this plant was used for bread

References

1) Coontie palm. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.botanical-journeys-plant-guides.com/coontie.html
2) Zamia pumila. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamia_pumila
3) Zamia pumila. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/162189/
4) Scheper, J. (1997, January 01). Zamia pumila. Retrieved from http://www.floridata.com/ref/z/zam_flor.cfm

Prepared by Phillip Lowe as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek